Food Trucks Battling Auburn City Council's Restrictions

AUBURN (CBS13) - There's a feud simmering in Auburn: food trucks versus standing businesses.

Now, city council is stepping in.

Maria Moreno has quite a following.

"I love it. I love my cooking. I love to be with the people and I like it," said Moreno.

Her food truck, Maria's Mexican Tacos, attracts a lot of customers in Auburn and is serving as a great source of extra income.

"With the economy right now, it's quiet in the restaurant. I try and go out to pay the bills," said Moreno.

The only problem is there are restrictions on food trucks in downtown and old town Auburn.

"I'm not trying to take away business from everybody," said Moreno.

It's keeping Moreno from doing business the way she wants.

"Right now, I go to downtown and I'm supposed to move every 30 minutes," said Moreno. "You're just getting ready and you have to close your door and go to other spots."

Dion Isaacson co-owns Depoe Bay Coffee House in Auburn and argues it's just not a level playing field.

"You have a city license, the cost of doing business in a location. We've built 12 years worth of business in here and a recession," said Isaacson.

Isaacson argues that time limits are necessary to keep things fair.

"If they get an agreement, say next door with the property owner, they can park there for 12 hours straight and that's not mobile," said Isaacson.

But Moreno will keep fighting.

"I think I'm going to make it, and if I don't make it, that's fine. I keep doing what I'm doing," said Moreno.

She's hoping businesses will work with her so she can continue to make a successful living.

"This is my life, so hopefully everyone will support me. That's all I can say," said Moreno.

New food truck rules are slated to be addressed in front of the Auburn city council on September 24.